Substance Use While Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and engage with new cultures, perspectives, and people. Part of preparing for this experience includes understanding how different countries handle laws and expectations around substances like marijuana and THC-related products — and how your choices abroad can impact both your safety and your eligibility to participate in your international program.

Below you’ll find helpful guidance on laws, expectations, safety considerations, and where to get support — all tailored to students preparing for study abroad and their families.

Before departure, review the official Marijuana and THC-Related Substance Policy which outlines High Point University’s official expectations and related conduct standards for international travel and study abroad. This policy applies to all students participating in study abroad programs, faculty-led international travel, exchange programs, and other international experiential learning programs, such as internships, research, or service-learning conducted under university sponsorship. Further, the policy applies regardless of whether marijuana or THC is legal in the student’s home state or country.

Downloads:

• Marijuana and THC-Related Substance Policy: Study Abroad & International Travel Programs

What You Need to Know Before You Go

1. Laws Abroad May Be Very Different from the U.S. 

Every host country has its own laws regarding drugs, alcohol, and THC products. Some countries take these laws much more seriously than in the United States — including strict penalties for possession or use. Legal status at home (including state-level legalization of marijuana) does not carry over abroad — and local authorities enforce their laws regardless of U.S. policy.

2. University Expectations and Compliance

While you’re on a High Point University–sponsored or affiliated study abroad or international travel program, you are expected to:

• Comply with all host country, regional, and local laws related to controlled substances;
• Abide by all import/export and customs regulations
• Follow host institution and housing rules regarding substance use;
• Respect cultural norms and expectations, even if they differ from U.S. norms;

These expectations apply regardless of age or whether marijuana/THC is legal where you live or where you’re studying abroad.

Prohibited Conduct on Study Abroad Programs

While abroad on a university-sponsored or affiliated program, students may NOT:

• Purchase, possess, or use marijuana or THC-related substances;
• Distribute, sell, or share these products with others;
• Possess or purchase drug paraphernalia related to marijuana/THC;
• Bring marijuana/THC products across international or state borders;

These rules apply even to products legally obtained elsewhere (e.g., THC edibles, concentrates, or CBD items with trace THC).

Consequences of Violating These Expectations

Participation in an international program constitutes agreement to follow University policies. Students are responsible for learning and following host country drug laws prior to departure. Violating the policy may result in a range of actions, including but not limited to:

• Program dismissal;
• Removal from housing or program activities;
• University disciplinary action through HPU conduct processes;
• Suspension or dismissal from High Point University in severe cases;

These consequences can occur even if local authorities do not pursue charges — and students remain responsible for both local legal consequences and university conduct outcomes.